Three of the best Asian cities to visit as a vegan traveler

Being vegan is an important lifestyle choice, and as such, it’s understandable that you’d want to make sure you can stick to your beliefs even when you’re on vacation. Fortunately, there are plenty of places in the world where you can sample some delicious treats without compromising on your values – including Asia, the largest and most diverse continent in the world.

This alluring destination boasts 48 countries, all with their own unique cuisine. And for vegans, the preference for fresh ingredients and lack of dairy (many people in Asia are lactose intolerant) make it easier to seek out plant-based options than countries that rely heavily on meat or processed food.

So which cities should be on your vegan travel list?

Singapore

Singapore is somewhat of a dream destination for foodies worldwide. The twin culture of delicious hawker stands and fine dining means that it’s possible to go from enjoying a five-star formal dinner to eating dessert as you stroll through the city, with both dishes being equally as good.

This is a city-state that takes its food seriously, and the popularity of rice and noodle-based dishes means that there’s plenty on the menu for hungry vegans. There are even some restaurants that offer purely vegetarian and vegan options, giving you a wider range of options at mealtimes, with no need to worry about the ingredients.

Taipei, Taiwan

As a historically Buddhist destination, the capital city of Taiwan is well-used to creating vegan food. Buddhism prohibits killing both animals and people, and as a result, many Buddhists follow a vegetarian, if not vegan diet. This means that this is a place where plants are not an afterthought – they’re a central part of the cuisine, and the skills of the local chefs are honed to celebrate non-meat ingredients.

You won’t be stuck for options here; the city offers vegan food on every street, with ice cream, noodles, dumplings, baked goods and burgers just some of the delicacies on offer. This is a great place to go if you want to experience new flavors and see the boundaries of vegan food pushed to create innovative dishes that leave you hungry for more.

Chiang Mai, Thailand

Known for its mesmerizing temples, historic buildings and mountainous backdrop, the calm city of Chiang Mai is a popular spot for visitors across the world. Famous for its laid-back vibes, it’s the perfect destination to simply walk around at your own pace, taking in the atmosphere.

As a vegan, the focus on fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as coconut milk in place of dairy products makes Thailand a great place to visit. You should find plenty to tantalize your taste buds, from eggless pad thai to fruit skewers with coconut and lime. Many places will offer a base dish of noodles or rice with a choice of protein, meaning you can simply opt for tofu rather than chicken or beef.

If you’re looking for a snack when you’re out and about, head to the market for a plethora of rainbow produce to choose from. In the evening, head to a vegan restaurant, or book on to a food tour to navigate the busy night markets with the knowledge of a local expert.

Discover Somewhere New This Year

Thanks to the rise in veganism around the world, there are plenty of dishes out there to discover on your vacation. If delicate spices, fragrant aromatics and dishes cooked from scratch appeal to you, then make sure to put Asia at the top of your must-visit list this year.